Numb Fingertips

Numb fingertips can be described as loss of sensation which is mainly confined to the end points of the fingers. All of us have experienced it after exposure to cold temperature and there is nothing to worry about it unless and until it is a severe cold temperature. An extreme cold temperature can actually cause injury to the fingers. Apart from this, some people complain that the tip of their fingers go numb suddenly even without being subjected to cold. This is an indication of some undiagnosed health condition.

Numb Fingertips Causes

There are many different factors that can make the fingertips numb. Once in a while a mild numbness in the fingers is not serious at all. However, you should not neglect the problem when it is accompanied by cramping, muscle pain that get extended to the entire hand, dizziness, tremors, loss of strength in body muscles, etc. A few of the most important causes are discussed here:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This is a common cause of numb fingertips. It mostly affects those who are into activities that involves extensive use of hand and wrist. Playing musical instruments like piano or guitar, typing, playing racket sports are a few of them that puts extra pressure on the carpal tunnel present in the wrist. The median nerve that provides sensation to the fingers passes through this narrow carpal tunnel gets inflamed due to the pressure. As a result, it cannot function normally and the thumb and fingers go numb.

Raynaud's Disease: This is a rare form of disorder where the blood vessels present in the fingers get narrowed down due to spasm and restricts proper flow of blood to the tips. A number of underlying health conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, scleroderma, etc. are often found to be responsible for this kind of abnormality. Sometimes, repeated trauma from vibrating tools like jackhammer can lead to this disease.

Buerger's Disease: Excessive use of tobacco products for prolonged period of time is the primary cause of Buerger's disease. In this rare disease, the blood vessels tend to swell up again and again and get blocked with blood clots. At the initial stage, it affects the hands due to which fingertips become numb but later on its effect can be felt in other parts of the body as well. In the long run, it may lead to damage of the skin tissue and cause gangrene.

Frostbites: In the beginning of the article we have mentioned about the damaging effect of extremely low temperature. It causes frostbite due to freezing of the skin and underlying tissues. It can be identified by blisters on fingers, paleness in the skin and pain in the hand including fingers.

Diabetes: Diabetic patients tend to feel numbness in their fingertips and toes due to a condition known as diabetic neuropathy. Here, fluctuating glucose levels lead to nerve damage and thus the sensitivity at the fingertips is lost.

Other Causes: If you have numb fingers soon after heavy exercising like endurance training or running, then let me tell you that it is absolutely normal. These exercises involves maximum use of the muscles in the lower part of the body. So, during these activities, the body has a natural tendency to increase blood flow towards the legs. This decreases blood circulation in the fingers temporarily and hence the numbness. Besides that, fingertip numbness is a symptom of a host of diseases such as multiple sclerosis, leprosy, stroke, panic attack, nutritional deficiency, lupus and white finger disease.

Numb Fingertips Treatment

First of all, we are going to talk about the treatments to get rid of the numb feeling of fingertips. In most of the cases, it is being advised to restrict the movement of the affected hand. For this reason, use of splint is highly recommended. Application of ice pack on the fingers is helpful as it increases blood circulation in the area. Massaging of the fingers enhances the supply of oxygen to the tips and often provides a lot of relief.

When there is an underlying disease that trigger numb fingertips, then it should be given proper treatment so that this particular symptom is alleviated. In carpal tunnel syndrome, the accompanying pain can be reduced with the help of anti-inflammatory medicines or corticosteroid injections. If resting, splinting and medicines does not bring any relief, then surgery is conducted to release the pressure from the median nerve.

For Raynaud's disease, doctors prescribe suitable medicines that helps in relaxation of the blood vessels which in turn increase blood flow through them. In more severe cases, surgical option is availed where the sympathetic nerve of the hand that controls constriction of blood vessel is severed.

There is no treatment for Buerger's disease as such. The patient must stop using tobacco in any form to avoid further aggravation of the problem. Doctor may also prescribe some medicines for dilation of blood vessels and dissolution of blood clots. Those who get numbness in fingertips due to diabetes need to keep the blood sugar levels in control. Nutritional deficiencies are corrected with change in diet and lifestyle.

Each and every patient with the problem of numb fingertips should take some precautions. They should maintain a healthy lifestyle with nutritious diet, regular exercises, and a good amount of rest and sleep. Exposure to extreme cold weather conditions should be strictly avoided. They should also stay away from tobacco and alcohol.

As you have read in this article that the causes of numb fingertips are many. It is a symptom of some serious ailments as well. However, that does not mean that anyone with numb fingers should assume that he or she has critical health condition. Instead of getting panicked, you should seek proper medical advice. Doctors and health care professionals are there who will provide you with right guidance and rectify your problem soon.